Groups and Private Tours
Looking to plan an unforgettable adventure for your group? Whether you’re organizing a school outing, corporate event, family reunion, or non-profit excursion, Rising Tide Explorers offers special rates and customized tour options to make planning easy and affordable!
Kayak Tours
Group Kayak Tours
Planning an adventure for a larger group? We offer $10 off per person for groups of 10 or more paddlers. Choose from any of our guided kayak tours, (list names with links). Great for team-building, corporate experiences, celebrations, community activities, and more!
Private Kayak Tours
Want our amazing Guide’s all to yourself as you explore Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve? No problem! For anyone looking for a private experience, you can buy out all 12 seats (a full tour) at the discounted group rate to reserve the tour just for you/ your group. Perfect for intimate gatherings or photography sessions.
Student Groups
We love working with schools, camps, and outdoor programs! Rising Tide Explorers offers $15 off per person for student groups. Required instructors paddle FREE and additional adults/chaperones receive the discounted rate as well. Our tours are led by biologists and Science Professionals who love to teach and explore. Age requirement varies*
Non-Profit Organizations
Do you have single and double kayaks available?
Yes, we do! You have your choice of either for guided kayak tours. A mix of tandem and single kayaks is typically arranged to accommodate larger group sizes.
Gratuity information
For all groups and private bookings, gratuity is automatically included unless other arrangements are made in advance. We believe in fairly compensating our guides for the amazing experiences they provide!
How far in advance should we make a reservation?
During high season (November – April), our availabilities book up very quickly. We usually recommend making Group or Private reservations as far in advance as possible.
What is the cancellation policy?
Both Group kayak tours and Private kayak tours are required to submit payment 1 week prior to reservation. Any changes must be made prior to then. No shows will not receive a refund. We will work with customers to reschedule or refund in case of inclement weather or other unforeseen circumstances. Rescheduling by the customer within 1 week is not guaranteed and a rescheduling fee of up to 50% of the reservation total, will be added.
What if we arrive late?
All reservations depart promptly at the specified time due to our schedule. It is imperative that guests arrive at the indicated time before the scheduled launch time (30 minutes early for kayak tours). Leave plenty of time to arrive at the specified launch location indicated in your confirmation and reminder emails, and to locate our group on site. Account for traffic as it can be quite heavy during busy months. Arriving late will result in a shorter tour experience.
We have spent many years building streamlined communications providing every resource you need to ensure you are well informed of where to go, when to arrive, and what you need to best enjoy our beautiful backyard. Please read all communications carefully and you’ll have no problem arriving to the right place at the right time for a great day on the water! We’ll be there ready for you!
Parking information
Planning to arrive by shuttle? Our team can provide information on where a larger vehicle can park, depending on the location of your tour or rental. *Some launch sites have parking fees*
Are there Restrooms onsite?
Not all launch sites have a restroom available. Make sure to confirm when making your reservations, especially if traveling a great distance to and from the site.
Do we need to sign waivers?
We provide digital waivers AND printable waivers for all groups to fill out ahead of time. This ensures a timely launch for all parties.
Is there a place to eat onsite?
There is not onsite picnic area at every launch site. As the eco-tour provider for the Friends of Rookery Bay, all TOUR guests are given FREE access to the Environmental Learning Center, and arrangements can be made to enjoy lunch at this facility as well; just ~10 minutes from launch sites. Ask about options when making your reservation?
Kayak Rentals
Group Kayak Rentals
Great for team-building, corporate experiences, celebrations, community activities, and more! Call us directly to inquire about group rentals (10 people or more).
Boat Tours
Group Boat Tours
Our vessels are designed for intimate experiences and can accommodate up to 6 passengers each. With three vessels under our operation, up to 18 passengers can explore with us. Ideal for Sunset Rookery tours and Essence of the Estuary tours. Inquire over the phone about pricing if your group requires multiple vessels.
Private Boat Tours
For groups of 6 or less who wish to have a private experience, you can select PRIVATE TOUR when booking any of our boat tours.
Gratuity Information
It is customary in the United States to give a gratuity to service staff who have done a great job, just as you would for your server at a restaurant. Our guides work very hard to give you the best experience possible! Typical gratuity ranges from 10% -20% based on your experience.
For all groups taking out multiple vessels, gratuity is automatically included unless other arrangements are made in advance.
How early should we make a reservation?
During high season (November – April), our availabilities book up very quickly. We usually recommend making Group or Private reservations as far in advance as possible.
What is the age limit?
Private tours can accommodate all ages. Make sure to confirm requirements for life vests when making reservations that include children UNDER six. U.S. Coast Guard requires the wearing of a life vest for ages 5 and under. Rising Tide Explorers can provide those for ages 3-5 on most tours. *All children, regardless of age, count as a passengers*.
What is the cancellation policy?
Group Boat Tours are required to submit payment 1 week prior to reservation. Any changes must be made prior to then. No shows will not receive a refund. We will work with customers to reschedule or refund in case of inclement weather or other unforeseen circumstances. Rescheduling by the customer within 1 week is not guaranteed and a rescheduling fee of up to 50% of the reservation total, will be added.
Private tours of 6 passengers or less will receive a full refund or may reschedule reservations freely with 48 hours notice of any cancellations or rescheduling. We will work with customers to reschedule in case of inclement weather or other unforeseen circumstances. Rescheduling within 48 hours of any scheduled reservation may result in a rescheduling fee of up to 50% of the reservation total, and cancellations may receive partial credit towards a future reservation. Reservations cannot be changed within 24-hours of the scheduled launch time, and a refund should not be expected. Please contact us by phone to cancel, reschedule, or inquire about a cancellation. Self service rescheduling and cancellations can be done online through your confirmation email up until 48-hours prior to your scheduled launch time. No-shows will be charged the full price.
All Tours depart promptly at the specified time due to our schedule. It is imperative that guests arrive at the specified time prior to the scheduled launch time (15 minutes early for boat tours, 30 minutes early for kayak tours) to avoid missing the tour. Leave plenty of time to arrive at the launch location indicated in your confirmation and reminder emails, and to locate our group on site. Account for traffic as it can be quite heavy during busy months. Missing a tour due to a late arrival will not result in a refund.
What if I arrive late to my scheduled tour?
All Tours depart promptly at the specified time due to our schedule. It is imperative that guests arrive at the indicated time before the scheduled launch time. Leave plenty of time to arrive at the specified launch location indicated in your confirmation and reminder emails, and to locate our group on site. Account for traffic as it can be quite heavy during busy months. Arriving late will result in a shorter tour experience.
We have spent many years building streamlined communications providing every resource you need to ensure you are well informed of where to go, when to arrive, and what you need to best enjoy our beautiful backyard. Please read all communications carefully and you’ll have no problem arriving to the right place at the right time for a great day on the water! We’ll be there ready for you!
How far in advance should we make our reservations?
During high season (November – April), our tours book up very quickly. We usually recommend making your reservations a few days to a week in advance for high season and at least a day in advance during the summer months.
Still have questions?
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